Designated Ministry: Oblation—October 5, 2008

To view entire suggested worship service for this day, click here.
Click here for a PowerPoint presentation to support the story.

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Jim Slauter's ministerial area, read the February Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Phulbani, Orissa, India—Love Our Neighbors

Each Sunday we are invited to “share equally” with Mission Tithes for local and world ministries. These stories are provided to keep us in touch with how your contributions to Mission Tithes are spreading the peace of Jesus Christ.

This story, Love Our Neighbors, takes us to Phulbani, Orissa, India, in the South Central Asia Mission Center. At the end of August 2008, the Community of Christ sent $5,000 of Oblation aid to Phulbani, Orissa, India. It is hard to imagine, sitting in our peaceful congregational settings, that violent attacks against Christians, based on intolerance, increased with a rise in Hindu nationalism. Yet, more than 100 Christian villages were demolished and several people killed – all in the name of nationalism.

Because of continued violence in Phulbani, survivors lived in the jungle. Many were injured. Their needs included medicine, treatment, food, and clothes. Through Oblation aid, church ministers in Orissa organized to love our neighbors – to reach out to those in need. Thanks to the generous ongoing support of Oblation Fund contributors, the Community of Christ was able to respond to needs of people who were driven from their homes during a time of unspeakable horror. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously. —Amson Mallick, World Church minister, South Central Asia Mission Center

B. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: Local

What is happening to you or in your congregation as a result of giving to local ministries through Mission Tithes? Share those experiences as part of your congregation’s Disciples’ Generous Response.

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Romans 13: 9 – 10 (NRSV) we read: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries changes our lives and those who receive the blessings from it. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.